Battle of Las Qoray

Battle of Las Qoray
Part of Somaliland–Puntland dispute
Date 9 July 2008 Location Laas Qoray, Sanaag, Somaliland Result Somaliland victory Somaliland Occupies Las Khorey 4 German citizens rescued The fall of Maakhir State
Belligerents
Somaliland	Somalia  Puntland  Maakhir
Commanders and leaders
Unknown	Unknown
Strength
Unknown	Unknown
Casualties and losses
Unknown	Unknown

The Battle of Laas Qoray occurred on 9 July 2008, amid the ongoing territorial disputes between Somaliland and Puntland. Somaliland troops invaded and occupied the Port town of Las Qoray,

citing a mission to rescue German citizens allegedly held hostage by pirates in the area.[1]

Background

In June 2008, Somali pirates kidnapped four German nationals from Yemen and brought them to the vicinity of Laas Qoray.[2] The presence of hostages in the disputed region heightened tensions between Somaliland and Puntland, both of which sought to assert control over the area.

The Battle

On 9 July 2008, Somaliland forces entered Laas Qoray, claiming their objective was to rescue the German hostages from pirate captivity.[1] The operation led to a temporary occupation of the port town. Puntland authorities viewed the incursion as a violation of their territorial integrity, exacerbating existing tensions between the two regions.

Aftermath

The German hostages were eventually released without a reported ransom.[3] The incident at Laas Qoray contributed to the ongoing territorial disputes and occasional clashes between Somaliland and Puntland over the Sanaag region.

References

1. "Fears of Military Clash Growing Between Somaliland and Puntland". Voice of America. 11 July 2008.
2. "Somali pirates kidnap Germans, coastguard in pursuit". Hiiraan Online. 24 June 2008.
3. "Ship released". Deutsche Welle. 10 August 2009.